Rebel Book Reviews

Even though this blog is devoted to book reviews, I am taking this time to highlight certain songs and the corresponding videos that I have listened to while reading (or writing). Each of these songs have a message that have spoken to me on multiple levels. As you listen to them, take a moment and think about the story the song is telling. These are books in musical form. To make this more fun, comment and tell me your favorite song (or music video) and what genre you love to read for a chance to win a free book. Remember to leave your email so that I can message you if you win. Enjoy these songs! 1: Lauren Daigle - Come Alive (Dry Bones) 2: The Afters - Live on Forever 3: Unspoken - Open the Clouds 4: Ryan Stevenson - Eye of the Storm 5: Skillet - Stars 6: Switchfoot - Live It Well 7: Need to Breathe - Happiness 8: Hawk Nelson - Diamonds 9: Capital Kings - Believer 10: For King & Country - Shoulders Hope you  enjoyed the li...

Christmas has always been a wonderful time to me. I love the lights, the decorations, the music, and most of all the love. Even though it seems that each year the Christmas seems to become more commercialize, I have seen a resurgence of the true meaning of Christmas.  When it comes to gifts, a lot of gifts are not needed nor should it be practiced. Instead, think of the wise men and how their three gifts were precious in the sight of God. To help with choosing a few gifts, I am listing a few books that I have found that would be enjoyed. Click the link to connect with the author via social media. And help support an author this Christmas and buy one of the books.  Romance: Summer's Flame by Wendy Davy Surrender to Peace by Rose Allen McCauley Caged Dove by Andrea Rodgers Tapestry of Trust by Mary Annslee Urban From Dishes to Snow by Kathy M. Howard Contemporary (some with a romance thread) Flabbergasted by Ray Blackston Mississippi ...

30 Days: A Devotional Memoir (Ambassador International 2013) Luke 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." This is a story told by my mother to all of her children. This is a story that helped to make sense why every Christmas we had an orange. And no other orange would smell as sweet, taste as soothing, and feel as smooth as that Christmas orange. The Christmas Orange by Betty Sue Tutor I grew up in a large family. As a large, poor family we seldom had a Christmas tree, much less Christmas toys. We waited for Santa Claus, but usually we got an orange and a note promising presents "next year". The Christmas that always stood out in my mind was when I was around three years old. I remember waking up on Christmas morning and seeing a lot of cars and trucks in the yard. We didn't own a vehicle, so even a few cars would seem like a lot to me back then. We had just moved into the community and had ve...

Airship Genesis Kids Study Bible (Thomas Nelson 2016) To keep on my track of reading and reviewing Bible versions and styles for a range of ages, I really loved the look, feel, and layout of the NJKV: Airship Genesis Kids Study Bible . This is a perfect Bible for that young man, particularly ages 9 to 13. The inserts provide valuable insights for the child and in an easy to understand syntax. References, maps, and thought provoking questions are also included. If you want a child to grow strong in God's word, this is a Bible that will do so. It makes the Bible interesting and relevant to a child in today's world. Highly recommended for that preteen.   ***I received this Bible through BookLook Bloggers via Thomas Nelson*** 

Bedtime Read and Rhyme Bible Stories by Bonnie Rickner Jensen (Thomas Nelson 2016)  I'm still on my kick about reviewing books for children. I have come across some great titles, and books that will make exceptional Christmas presents. This book by Bonnie Rickner Jensen and illustrated by Robert Dunn is great. Even though as times the rhymes may seem forced, that only occurred twice that I found, the stories are easy to read and hold a cadence that will delight young readers. The Biblical stories are sound and accurate. I especially loved the stories, Moses Leads God's People and Three Big Names, Three Brave Men. But the one I loved the most was The Shepherd cares for the Lost . "If one of His sheep,  Just one little one,  Wanders away from His side,  He wont's give up! He won't give in! He'll search both far and wide." A simple, yet powerful, story of His amazing love. The details of the illustrations are rich ...

The Watchman by V.B. Tenery (Pelican Book Group 2014)  He can't save the world....but he can try. With special abilities, Noah will try to use his power for good and for the glory of the Lord.  As a P.I. Noah takes on a pro bono style case that soon becomes meshed with two others. Not everything is as it appears and sometimes those guardian angels have to call in reinforcements in order to protect God's children, sometimes from their own stupidity, Noah included. This is a well paced book, with plenty of action, just enough grit, and a whole lot of faith. The readers are given moments of down time to recover from the last high impact action before the next page hurdles them headlong down another road of chases, fights, and flights. Noah has a self-depreciating attitude at times coupled with subtle humor; this is seen in his tongue-in-cheek alias Sam Spade (who is a P.I character well known for his cutting and snide remarks aka snarky attitude). You couldn't fall ...

Killswitch by Victoria Buck (Pelican Book Group 2016) Although not as captivating as the first book, Wake the Dead , Killswitch did offer its own list of merits. It centered mainly about the underground church and how Chase tried to insert himself in this strange life of people who are far different from the world he lived in. The Christianity portrayed in this book is strong, and at times it felt too strong for me. I did have a problem with the people thinking that lying was a sin. Remember Rahab and her blessing for her lie that protect God's people? Only the bearing of false witness aka lying to harm another is a sin. So that part kind of bothered me, especially when the theft of supplies wasn't frowned upon. (Of course the theft was needed to survive.) The narrative was at times jilted and I was left with filling in the blanks to obtain the picture needed. BUT that didn't keep me from reading. This story wasn't about the action or the undergr...

God's Little Lambs Bible Stories by Julie Stiegemeyer (Zonderkidz 2016)  I don't often write reviews on children books or children Bible storybooks. Usually because those book are open to interpretation and artistic flair. Children's minds are not like adults so the stories would have to be severely scaled back for their understanding. This book captured my attention with the illustrations and I chose to review it thinking it may make for a nice Christmas gift. What did I think of God's Little Lambs Bible Stories ? I found it interesting. I like how the major stories of the Bible: In the Beginning, Garden of Eden, Noah, Jericho, Joseph, David, and Jesus to name a few. The stories did host an abbreviated account of each, but still relayed the most important parts of that Biblical account. The New Testament was different in its telling, making sure that the stories centered around Jesus and sparked an ember for a child to want to know more about ...

Shattered Vigil by Patrick W. Carr (Bethany House 2016)   Shattered Vigil is the second installment in the Darkwater Saga. If I thought By Divine Righ t and Shock of Night were superb, then I have no words for Shattered Vigil . Patrick Carr has the ability to pull the reader into a new world and immerse that reader into cultures, beliefs, societies, and lands that are rich in detail. He uses not just first person point of view (Willet Dura), but also third person, to give the reader a dual experience. Let them know what is to come and what is happening, but to also be there, be that character. When it comes to reading a fantasy novel, I want to be swept away with complex characters. Those type of characters where at times I will hate them or extremely dislike them, but other times where I view them as a hero. There are no stereotypes in this book. Published by a Christian company, Shattered Vigil holds a multi-faceted story of the Christian faith. So ma...

Shadow of the Storm by Connilyn Cossette (Bethany House 2016) This is the second book in the Out of Egypt series. The reader will find the same characters, learn more about another, and see from the eyes of a newer character. Shadow of the Storm presents a story of the exodus from Egypt led by Moses. As they are camped at the foot of the mountain, live goes on as each of the characters learn what it means to truly follow God and the dangers of breaking His covenant. Seeing history play out through the eyes of Shira, who is not privy to all the happenings and decisions of the elders, and who has to overcome a horrific assault from her past, is truly an experience in reading. Even the story told from the eyes of Dvorah, a vengeful woman, brings to light how the Hebrews strove to throw off the influences of Egypt and to fully embracing the love of God. Connilyn Cossette brings such wonderful details to the novel. The reader will feel the hurt, hope, despair, and ...

Slender Reeds: Jochebed's Hope by Texie Susan Gregory (Shiloh Run Press 2016)   Slender Reeds is a take on a Biblical story that most all know. We have all read and seen stories about Moses and the exodus from Egypt, but never have we really been exposed to the story before his birth. Texie Susan Gregory takes on this challenge. She proposes a "what-if" scenario into the life of the Hebrews held captive in Egypt. Seen from the eyes of not just Jochebed, Moses' mother, but also her friends, Ramses, and others. We see, as if floating above watching a movie or play unfolding before us, the madness of Ramses, the heartache of Jochebed and Shiphrah, and the anguish of the Hebrews. Told with such exquisite detail I could see the love, hope, and faith that God works in the darkness. I felt the horror at the little lives lost in such hatred. I understood in further detail the madness of Ramses and his rule. With historical accuracy, Slender Reeds...

Lightning on a Quiet Night by Donn Taylor (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas 2014) In the town of Beneficent, "A Town As Good As Its Name", a myriad of characters come to life and begin a journey that changes the town's heart and soul. From the first pages of learning more about Lisa and her unwillingness to give this rural town a chance to the end where Jack learns more about what it means to forgive and trust his faith in the future, the reader is pulled into a story set within rural Mississippi and held there throughout this spellbinding tale. Lisa is a northerner thrust into a world that is different and as she tries to label and categorize its people she finds herself befriending the unlikeliest of people and learning to love what she started off as hating. Jack begins as an enigma, a mystery that takes time to discover as each chapter peels back another layer to his character: his history, his military life, and his determina...

Can't Help Falling by Kara Isaac (Howard Books 2016) Right off the first page I was intrigued by this book. I didn't need to know the why Emelia was in Oxford, England. I understood from the beginning that it was to atone for a past failure. What captured me and held me throughout was Emelia's penchant for wardrobes and the pull to find Narnia. Do I believe in coincidences? Not really. Only if it's concerning a free parking spot or finding the last copy of a favorite book or movie. What I do believe and what this book shows in stark detail is that God is in the details. From falling out of a wardrobe to finding that elusive teacup, God orchestrates His symphony to capture a person's heart and soul. This happened to Emelia and Peter. The symbolism was light and subtle. I didn't lose the significance of the broken ship. And although the ending seemed wanting in a little more depth and not feeling a little rushed, I did enjoy the diffe...

A Lady Unrivaled by Roseanna M. White (Bethany House 2016)   After reading The Reluctant Duchess , I waited with bated breath on whether Roseanna M. White could top that masterfully written novel. And she did without exception. A Lady Unrivaled brings to a close a trio of love stories and the mystery of the Fire Eyes. Ella, who had been mentioned in both books, was a simply delightful character and one that many people who are creative and adventurous would relate. Cayton is the man who dreams are made of and who is the epitome of how deep an individual's personality can go. Readers will immerse themselves into a wonderfully written novel. The descriptions send the reader right into the middle of the early 1900's, on the cusp of war. New characters are brought to us. Another character is brought healing and forgiveness. And yet another will find that a person can always change for the better. During this Edwardian society, seeing the impending change...

The 17 by Clint Kelly (Harbourlight 2016) "This promises to be a bumpy ride." One sentence to sum the book: "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." How many times do we find ourselves determined to be the one in control of our lives? Or fail to realize that we have a purpose or a reason why we are where we are? Or better yet, that we really are not trying to run away from God, but wanting to run to Him? If ever presented with intuition in the form of demands only you could hear, how would you respond? Clint Kelly answers that question as he leads us on a journey riding the #17 bus in Seattle. We see different walks of life; their humanity; their dreams and longings; their answers to prayers. And in most all cases, divine intervention. Never judge a book by its cover and never judge a person by his/her looks. God will use whom He chooses as is evident in the story of James Carter. This book will keep ...

Fixing Perfect by Therese M. Travis (Harbourlight Books 2014)  "One man makes it his mission to fix the broken, even if it kills them." Some see the handicap as broken, instead of awesome. With each little difference in the character who live with what we would call a disability, the author shows the reader the meaning of perfect love. This is not just a suspense or a mystery, despite the red herrings thrown into the story; neither is it just a romance. This book layers friendship and love on top of determination and trust in God. Therese M. Travis brings to life the lives of two friends, a small child, and deranged killer, each with their own voice. No convenient "hero saves them all" or the author pushing the boundaries of belief. This is a story of everyday people who are thrust into a terrifying ordeal. From the beginning of page one to the last word written, I was thoroughly engrossed in this novel. I had been longing for...

The Occupied by Craig Parshall (Tyndale 2016)  Once again I've come across a book that leaves me with a deeper meaning to spiritual warfare. The Occupied is more than mere thriller or horror; it is also a book on truth about the unseen forces that influence the world today just as it did in the past. Because we can't see it, doesn't mean it's not there. The character Trevor Black (and I started to see a little symbolism about his name as I read more) is blessed with the gift of discernment. Discernment meaning he can smell and sense the evil of demons around him and at times see them as they "occupied" a person. Although the Christian aspect is not heavy or layered thickly throughout the book, the belief in Christ is made evident. As is the Scriptural truths about the battle that we cannot see. Some people may scoff and say that this is truly a work of fiction, but lessons and truth are often threaded through fiction. Can anyone smel...

Frantic by Mike Dellosso (Realms 2012) I love thrillers. I love horror. I like the heart thumping reaction to reading the battle between good and evil. Frantic offered me exactly that. This is an in-your-face type of story. Think Stephen King and Rose Red , think Dean Koontz and his supernatural stories, or how about House on Haunted Hill ? Those don't compare to the darkness that this book forces the reader to face. One twist after another kept the pages turning. One breath stealing scene to another kept me glued to the words unfolding before me. This isn't your run of the mill Christian fiction or Christian thriller. It is straight up horror for the adrenaline junkies. And like most all horror stories, good overcomes evil; evil never prevails; and in this story, God is in control of it all. This is just one of many books by Mike Dellosso that proved to me that he is beyond a doubt a master storyteller. If I want a book that will wear me out, will force me to ...

Vanquished by Katie Clark (Pelican Book Group 2014)   It is a time of Greaters, Middles, and Lessers...until that time is challenged by a few.... Dystopian novels are one of the more popular novels. Dystopian Young Adult novels seem to be the rage among them. Vanquished delivers not only a truly unique dystopian tale, but one that is full of true young adult material. Many books leave the reader questioning if he/she really read a book told through a teenager's eyes. The angst may be there, but where's the character growth, the battle between adulthood and childhood?  With Katie Clark's Vanquished , Hana is shown at the cusp of womanhood. She has her tendencies to act immature, but to also question and push the boundaries of her rigid surroundings. Her bravery at not backing down to discover the truth, her wisdom in discerning what to do and when to do it, and her desire to learn the truth about the Greaters set in motion a tale that far surpa...

Surrender to Peace by Rose Allen McCauley (Olivia Kimbrell Press 2015)   ~~"I had to come to the point of total surrender, giving up what I wanted, and being willing to accept whatever He wanted..."~~ (Ramona p.58) The book brought this line to life. An easy read that wasn't about conflicts. It wasn't about a whirlwind romance. It wasn't about fighting against God's will. It was a love story--a sweet and simple love story about surrendering your heart. As I read Joy's and Benigno's story, I came to realize that another love story was unfolding--God's love story. As the words breezed into my mind, as I pictured myself on the beaches and streets of Puerto Rico, peace settled over me.  And the title says it all " Surrender to Peace ". Only then can love shine and the voice of God be heard. If you want a sweet, timeless love story written in the vein of Henry van Dyke, then Rose Allen McCauley brought one...

Mail Order Surprise by Lucy Thompson (Forget Me Not Romances 2016) Western romances seem to be the rage in historical romances lately. There are so many and most seem to be cookie cutters of each other, but not so with Lucy Thompson's Mail Order Surprise . She exceeds a Mary Connealy book or a Colleen Coble novel with her wit and humor. To me it was a fresh take on the Seven Brides for Seven Brothers theme . The surprises that cropped up in the story were unexpected and pleasant.  At times I wondered why Lydia did the things she did, and it made sense once the ending was reached. "Ah, yeah, that makes sense now. I don't blame her one bit" was my reaction.  Reading this novel was almost like watching not just the movie Seven Brides for Seven Brothers , but also a John Wayne flick like McClintock and others. The brothers interacted with each other in such a natural way. Lydia and the children seemed to be a natural extension of that family. T...